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Sunday, July 06, 2008

“Last week, Republican Senators blocked a bill protecting the ability of many Medicare beneficiaries to see the doctor of their choice. The bill would have cancelled a 10.6 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors,” the senator said. “That cut, which took effect on July 1st, could force many doctors to stop seeing new Medicare patients.”

Durbin, who noted that Medicare payment rates are also tied to the military health plan TRICARE, argued that GOP senators and the Bush administration opposed the bill in order to protect private insurers.

“It’s time for the Republican senators who are filibustering this measure to put our seniors and our military families ahead of private insurance companies and let the Senate pass this bill as soon as possible,” Durbin said.

“There will be a lot of talk about patriotism over this Fourth of July weekend and many senators will rightfully praise our military,” he added. “But true patriotism means honoring the men and women in uniform who defend our freedoms -- not just with words and flag lapel pins, but with actions befitting their great sacrifices.”

If we are not in favor of growing the social-welfare state, we are unpatriotic. Surely Stalin and Mussolini would recognize the language.